To this day, most people bristle when they see the swastika because of what was done under that symbol. Doesn't matter that the Nazis hijacked this symbol from Hinduism (ironically, according to Wikipedia, the word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" meaning "good," "asti" meaning "to be," and "ka" as a suffix. Thus, the term swastika literally means "to be good"): what matters is that this symbol is burned into our modern consciousness as a sign of human evil (if you believe in evil), prejudice, xenophobia and genocide.

Back to the "throw a sign" idea. While symbols make for great short-cuts, it behooves us to "watch our mouths". Arguably the most powerful of symbols is the word. One word can pack a punch that can inflame--or heal.

All because of what has come to be associated with "that word".

When you know better, you do better (assuming that awareness and increased consciousness is a part of your life's path). The ignorant toss around words to incite or insult. Some fundamentalist Christians spit out the word "pagan" as an insult, but those who embrace the term (and know that the word basically means "rural dweller") won't be offended.

It depends on the meanings you associate with a symbol, or word. You know, the stories you tell yourself about it.

In a world that appears to be roiling with violence, intolerance and hate, let us remember that our words are symbols--and that one well-placed, well-considered word might make the difference between hope or despair, encouragement or discouragement, peace or anxiety within another.

Janet Boyer is the author of Back in Time Tarot and Tarot in Reverse, as well as the co-creator (with her husband, artist Ron Boyer) of the Snowland Deck and Coffee Tarot. With her teen son, she created the Boyer Charming Oracle and Animal Totems Charm Oracle. Currently, Janet is working on her third and fourth traditionally-published Tarot books, both forthcoming from Dodona Books—Naked Tarot: Sassy, Stripped Down Advice from the Cards and 365 Tarot: Daily Insights. As a respected, trusted Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, she's penned over 1,200 published reviews that have also been featured in print magazines and other online outlets. In addition to being a Tarot teacher, author, deck creator and professional reader, she is also a frequent radio guest (and former host), essayist, short story writer and homeschooling Mom. Her hobbies include cultivating flowers, tending biota, watching retro TV on DVDs (60s + 70s), trying new recipes (she's an award-winning cook), serving as a Patron of the Arts, photography and reading (especially mysteries/suspense). Visit Janet online at JanetBoyer.com.